On 22 July 2005 the first AI
outbreak was identified in a backyard flock atSuzdalka in the Novosibirsk
region. The Competent Veterinary Authorities (CVA) the mission team
that from the 22 July up to 07 October 2005, 50 AI outbreaks detected
in six Siberian regions : Novosibirsk, Altai, Chelyabinsk,
Kurgan,Tiumen. In Kalmikya region, which is located in the European
Russia northwest Caspian Sea, the presence of AI was suspected, but no
final results are Nevertheless, a few positive PCR results for AI
viruses of the H5 subtype were from wild birds monitored in two
unaffected regions (Tomsk and Kalmikya).

The above comments from the mission team investigating H5N1
in
Russia indicate that H5 was PCR confirmed in Tomsk
and Kalmikya.
Kalmikya is adjacent to the Caspian Sea (see map),
indicating H5 has been in Europe for some time.

The report also indicated that the screening was not comprehensive, and
H5N1 may have been in additional provinces where screening was minimal.

The above list indicates H5N1 was widespread in wild birds and was
readily transferred between species. These data indicate that
H5N1 is likely to appear in southern and western Europe in the upcoming
weeks.

H5N1 clearly is not dying out, but rather is expanding its geographical
reach as well as its host range.